How implants work
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jaw where the tooth root used to be. Over a few months the bone bonds to it. Dr. Anagnostakos then attaches a custom crown, bridge or denture to the implant. Because the implant stimulates the bone the way a root does, it prevents the bone loss that follows a missing tooth and keeps your face and bite stable.
Options for every situation
- Single-tooth implant: one post, one crown, no impact on the teeth beside it
- Implant bridge: two or more implants supporting several teeth
- Implant-supported dentures: a full arch that snaps onto two to four implants, so the denture no longer slips, rubs or needs adhesive
The process at our office
Your visit begins with an exam and 3D imaging to measure the bone and plan the ideal position. The implant is placed in a short, comfortable procedure under local anesthetic; most patients return to work the next day and manage with over-the-counter pain relief. After the implant heals, usually three to four months, the final crown is fitted. If you need a temporary tooth during healing, we provide one, so you are never without a tooth in your smile.
If bone has been lost where the tooth was missing, a bone graft at or before placement rebuilds the site. Dr. Anagnostakos will tell you at the consultation whether that applies to you.
Why patients choose implants over a bridge or denture
- Nothing is done to the healthy teeth beside the gap
- Bone and gum are preserved, so your face does not change shape
- You eat, speak and brush exactly as you did with natural teeth
- A success rate above 95% and a lifespan measured in decades
Cost and financing
An implant costs more up front than a bridge, but it is usually replaced far less often, so the lifetime cost is often lower. Many plans now contribute toward implants; we verify your coverage, give you a written estimate for the complete treatment and offer monthly payment plans through CareCredit and Sunbit.